WHEN Island couple Hugh and Sue Lawton booked a two-week holiday in California, they were looking forward to a relaxing break away from the stresses of everyday life.

But they soon found themselves in newspapers and on TV stations across the state after witnessing a major hotel blaze which injured four firefighters and two members of staff. The couple were in the second week of their holiday at the luxury Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa in California when a fire broke out in the roof of the administration office on Wednesday afternoon.

About 100 firefighters and 20 engines were called to the scene as the blaze tore through parts of the building.
Four firefighters were treated for burns and heat-related injuries and two members of staff suffered heat exhaustion. Although the guests were never in danger, the Lawtons were prime targets for the media as they watched the blaze from their hotel room just 100 yards away.

Mr Lawton (53), director of finance for American Express Offshore Credit Corporation in Jersey, has since appeared on four local television stations as well as in California’s Desert Sun newspaper.

Hugh and Sue Lawton were 100 yards away from the scene of the blaze